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Tolley

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Posts posted by Tolley

  2. Landcruiser 200 Series or Silverado

    in Public Forum

    Posted

    Hi Colin

    What wheels/tyres are on the truck? If you are running Goodyear Wrangler SR/A 265/60R20 be a bit wary they are like hens teeth to get. I recently could only get a second hand one in Melbourne and had to get it shipped to Mt Isa to get me out of trouble when I holed one on the Birdsville Track, hence I am dropping down to 18's which I have had shipped out from the USA as the tyres are easier to acquire here.

    Cheers

    Merv

    Hi Merv,

    Fortunately, my vehicle has 18 inch wheels.

    Managing the Chev is certainly different from managing a Toyota and I learn something every day. Today was coolant . What to add and how to add it......a bit different. I am now on top of the Add Blue and have even encountered a bowser specially for it. That was in Emerald, Qld.

    Regards

    Colin

  3. Landcruiser 200 Series or Silverado

    in Public Forum

    Posted

    Here is an update.

    Now in Pottsville just over the border from Queensland. From Cairns to here we averaged 21.5 L per 100 km towing the TE with full water tanks, 300 l and driving on cruise control at 105 kph for most of the trip.

    Driving was a dream. For the first time Gayleen did some driving on the highway with the van attached. I really enjoyed that and so did she. The exhaust brakes are a fantastic asset. We came down the Toowoomba range with absolute ease and confidence with the vehicle just sitting on the exhaust brakes. I have, over the past four years avoided the Toowoombw Range in the 100 Series LC. Not any more.

    I don't want to sound like a PITA Silverado Salesman but, the 2000 km we have just completed has been the most relaxed we have experienced. It really is a different world.

    Yet to give it a go on the dirt. That is my unanswered question about this vehicle. Otherwise, I am a convert.

    Regards

    Colin

  4. Dust ingress

    in Public Forum

    Posted

    Well Michael, that is great, well written and well said.

    I reckon, IMO, that everyone will accept that and move on.

    Michael, enjoy your Kedron and enjoy the friendships that will emerge from the experience.

    Regards

    Colin

  5. Landcruiser 200 Series or Silverado

    in Public Forum

    Posted

    Hi Greg and Cathy,

    I purchased an electric razor so I can shave without looking in the mirror every morning!!

    Today was our first real test of the Silverado towing the Top Ender. We are headed south and today we drove from Cairns to Townsville, 356 km. WOW! It is a world away from my faithful 100 Series. It is a totally different experience with huge power in both going and stopping. Just sat there on 100 km hr up hill and down dale. The exhaust brake is a godsend. Just fantastic.

    Now this was all on Highway 1, and that is not the environment that led us to purchase a Top Ender. I have yet to give it a work out on dirt roads. But so far, in a word, fantastic!

    Regards

    Colin

  6. Landcruiser 200 Series or Silverado

    in Public Forum

    Posted

    Hello,

    What I found surprising in the articles is that 60% of the vehicles sold in the US are pickups and the Ford 250 is the most popular vehicle in the world, not just the US, the world.

    The Silverado was the Pickup of the Year last year in the US. When I was in my youth the pickup of the year would have been Bridget Bardot! LOL

    Regards

    Colin

  7. Landcruiser 200 Series or Silverado

    in Public Forum

    Posted

    Hello Koggers,

    For those interested in this subject the Weekend Australian has a news report on the demand for F trucks, Silverado's etc on page 10 and a full article on pages 14 and 15 of the Weekend A Plus.

    Looks like there will be many more of these vehicles on the road.

    The Cowboys was robbed!,, Again!!!

    Regards

    Colin

  8. Landcruiser 200 Series or Silverado

    in Public Forum

    Posted

    Hello Koggers,

    Today had my first tow of the TE with the Silverado. I know it is a horrible word but the experience was awesome! The driving power and stopping power are very impressive and allows me to be very relaxed behind the wheel.

    The rig is one meter longer than it was with a LC up front. That does make a difference in backing and turning into park places etc. Also, as the Silverado has a much longer wheelbase than the LC the former has a bigger turning circle.

    The standard built in functions are great. As soon as you insert the 7 pin plug the instrument panel flashed "Trailer Connected". When you start up and hit the hauling button it automatically adjusts gears etc for towing and a trailer icon appears in the instruments. Hit the exhaust brake button and drive off. The panel tells you the brake input setting and the brake gain whenever you touch the footbrake. The break controller comes standard and works well. Turn down the heated seat, adjust the music from the Bose speakers and relax......you are on your way carried by 400 HP and 1000 NM of torque!

    OK, enough of the BS. On Tuesday we are off for a month with the van and I will provide an honest, warts and all, summary on my return.

    Regards to all

    Colin

  9. Dust ingress

    in Public Forum

    Posted

    Hello Michael J,

    Kingfisher Camp is great. Camps 7 QLD 260 and, IMO, not to be missed. I agree re Robinson River and Adel's Grove. This time of the year there will be a lot of dust including Bull dust. If you can keep that out of your van, despite taking all the preventive measures, please let me know the secret.

    Here in Cairns we have had a record dry month. It is the same west of us. So, Michael, it will be dusty. Don't forget to tap out you air cleaner filter on your tug every day.

    Lastly Michael, often people ask questions on this forum and are simply and quickly told that there is a heap of previous discussion on the site and hence do a search. All those who have commented so far are, IMO, great Koggers and far from being rude will welcome you warmly.

    The Savannah Way is great. We have often just found an isolated place where we can pull off the road and have a peaceful night. We have gone for 30 hours and not seen another car or person in the stretch between Hell's Gate and the Robinson.

    Have a great trip and welcome to the Forum.

    Regards

    Colin

  11. Landcruiser 200 Series or Silverado

    in Public Forum

    Posted

    Hi Colin

    Sorry I haven 't been able to reply sooner, Telstra restricted all out goings from Birdsville during the races and we haven't been able to get internet access, Anyway, we purchased ours through American Vehicle Sales in Rowville (Melbourne and one of the cheapest places to buy) they fitted the 230 ltr long rang tank there. Order it when you order your truck or they may have one in stock. Truck and tank. Vehicles are registered in Victoria as light heavy vehicles for a period do three months initially an d after reg , next day on request they are derated 42 kgs to bring them under truck classification! Taken bak to Vic Rds and paper work done. Engineers report only nothing physically done to the truck ($350.00 money spinner) and away you go. That was how it was done for us. If you already have the truck Performax in Gympie or Brown Davis tanks in Melbourne will be able to help you with the tank.

    If you have a choice of 18 or 20" wheels get 18" I have had to ship a 20 up from Melbourne to Mt Isa as I holed one on the Birdsville Track, none others in Australia for the size I required.

    Cheers Merv

    Merv,

    My apologies! I missed your response. Thank you.

    Just getting over the 200 meter stare after such a long drive.

    Thanks for the info. I don't intend doing anything just yet but the info will be handy later.

    Regards

    Colin

  12. Landcruiser 200 Series or Silverado

    in Public Forum

    Posted

    Hello Everyone and especially Kate and Craig,

    The Silverado is now parked at my home in Cairns. We arrived here yesterday early evening. At Lunchtime five days ago, last Monday, I left Hobart headed for Cairns. The Chevy was a delight to drive and returned an average of 13.5 L/100k which is very impressive as we were cruising at 140 kph out west. Now I have to learn all the clever things it will do and get it matched up to my van.

    Gayleen, my beautiful wife has nicknamed it "Hi Ho". Hi Ho Silver............get it? Women!

    Regards

    Colin?

  13. Landcruiser 200 Series or Silverado

    in Public Forum

    Posted

    Hi Colin,

    I guess by now you have taken delivery of the Silverado from my daughter & soninlaw in Tassie. You have got a great vehicle as Craig is one of the most festidious vehicle owners i know and we enjoyed travelling in it in February in tassie.We have just moved to a 200 series Sahara from a 100 series Sahara to pull our 2006 Kedron in which we have travelled 97,000 ks and we love it. We now live at the RV Homebase in Maryborough Qld from Tea Gardens NSW since January 2014 and have the best of both worlds as do several other KOG members recently. Trust you enjoy the Silver Beast and have many trouble free travels around OZ.

    Geoff

    Geoff, thank you. The vehicle is immaculate reflecting what you say about Craig. I can't wait until I have the Kedron in tow.

    Incidentally I has a block in RV Homebase but let it go for various reasons . I reckon it would be a great place.

    Kind regards

    Colin

  14. Landcruiser 200 Series or Silverado

    in Public Forum

    Posted

    Craig and Kate

    Thanks for being such great people to deal with in the purchase of your beautiful Silverado. I am sitting in Devonport waiting to board the ferry. The Silverado is awesome! Power!!! My goodness! I really enjoyed the drive from Hobart. Average fuel economy 14.7 L per 100, vastly more economical than my 100 Series.

    You can rest assured "Kev the Chev" will be looked after.

    Thank you Kate, Craig and Josh.

    Regards

    Colin

  15. Landcruiser 200 Series or Silverado

    in Public Forum

    Posted

    I wouldn't part with my Silverado for quids. We have just done a two month trip from Melbourne to the top of the Cape and return and ended up with an average of 18.8 litres per 100km. They are an unbelievable tow vehicle and on more occasions than I can think of I had to check the mirrors to make sure the van was still there, effortless tow. We spoke to numerous Land Cruiser owners towing big vans and they couldn't believe the economy we were getting, but when you tell them that on 100kph you are only doing approx 1600 revs so your motor is just ticking over. The only problem is parking the truck in shopping centres and then we park away from the crowd and end up with less damage. We had our Top Ender re rated to 3950kgs and don't have a problem now of watching our weight. One less thing to worry about. Yes, the vehicle is extremely comfortable. The only thing I have done to ours is to fit a long range fuel tank, canopy and shortly after our trip to the Birdsville races in a couple of weeks a set of rear air bags which will help to remedy the 'diving' you can get with a heavy van and no WDH and it will also help to level the unit. With the van on the back the rear of the truck drops approx 50mm, which is nothing really to worry about.

    Cheers

    Merv

    Merv,

    Would you mind telling me where you had the long range fuel tank fitted, what capacity is it, any legislative/registration/Dept of Transport issues and the cost? I am about to acquire a Silverado and I am interested in fitting a long range tank.

    Regards

    Colin

  22. The Outback Way

    in Public Forum

    Posted

    Hello,

    I am absolutely surprised that this thread has had so many hits, over 23,000, and that the number keeps growing. I can only assume that the reason people are still visiting the threads is to read the Trip Report. This morning I noticed that the link to the Trip Report had expired so I renewed it below.


    />https://www.dropbox.com/s/ckdrppy99agf3cj/Trip%20Report%20-Outback%20Way%202013.zip?n=119933804

    Regards

    Colin

  23. Landcruiser 200 Series or Silverado

    in Public Forum

    Posted

    Hello Jacky Jacky,

    That is a good link that you provided. From this and other forums I cannot find any criticisms of the Silverado other than size related issues such as parking. Certainly, we Ozzies are not accustomed to big motor vehicles as are the Americans.

    To me, it is the peace of mind that the Silverado provides due to its capacities in load carrying, braking and power that are attractive. Mind you, I find the heated and cooled seats and many other creature comforts attractive as well.

    Where are you at the moment? Wherever you may be I hope your are both well and having fun.

    Regards

    Colin

  24. Landcruiser 200 Series or Silverado

    in Public Forum

    Posted

    G'day Pete,

    Like you, I am a Toyota fan. Just love 'em. They are like a faithful dog, as you say. My concern is that the LC, all of them, are on the limit towing a TE, especially if you need to fill the 300 L water tanks. Despite towing my TE a long way through all sorts of terrain with my faithful 100 Series TD I have always been concerned about being on the limit and often illegal. That is why Gayleen does not drive.

    My thoughts are that a Silverado with an auto coupler McHitch, airbags and no WDH will make it a breeze foe Gayleen to hitch and go should ever the need arise where I cannot help her. I am an old bugger as you know!!

    Servicing? Any Holden dealer. The Duramax motor and Allison transmission are pretty stock standard and, let me tell you, they are a wonderful combination. Size? The Silverado is 88mm wider and 852mm longer than a 200 Series. Around town I don't think size is a bother and I always park well away in the empty spaces at Supermarkets etc. irrespective of what I am driving. I occasionally have some problems with the 100 Series in car parks, sometimes height sometimes narrow park spots and tight turning areas. There is always other options. Similar in caravan parks. There has been plenty of times where my current rig has not fitted. Once again, there has always been a way around it.

    Garaging? Yes, most garages in homes are too small. I cannot get my LC into the garage of the home we are presently renting unless I fold the rear view mirrors in and then it is an absolute squeeze for me to get into our out of the vehicle. It just fits length wise. Not to worry though, as I have just purchased a 15 acre farm that has lots of big sheds!! Now I am "all hat and no cattle"!

    I am still going through the exercise and at the same time looking around for around 100k lazy dollars. BTW, they come with a 250,000km and seven year warranty.

    Pete, thanks for your interest and valuable comments. I let you know what I decide!

    Regards

    Colin

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